2. Disconnect external devices

An incompatible or malfunctioning external device can sometimes cause issues with Final Cut Pro X. To test external devices:

Shut down your Mac.

Disconnect all external devices other than your keyboard and mouse.

Reset NVRAM. You only need to do this the first time you disconnect external devices.

Open Final Cut Pro and attempt to reproduce your issue. If your issue no longer occurs, reconnect devices one at a time until you can reproduce your issue. Make sure to restart your Mac after reconnecting a device, if the device requires it.

If the issue only occurs with a certain device connected, you might need to update or service the device. Contact the manufacturer for support.

3. Check Final Cut Pro X documentation

Check Final Cut Pro X Help to make sure Final Cut Pro is working as expected. You can search Final Cut Pro X Help for key terms shown in alerts, alert icons, or error messages.

To make sure you're using the latest version of Final Cut Pro X, choose Apple menu () > App Store, then click Updates in the toolbar. If a Final Cut Pro update is available, you can click the Update button to download and install it.

Make sure that you're also using the latest version of macOS and that your Mac firmware is up to date. Back up your Mac before you update macOS.

6. Verify installation of Pro Video Formats

7. Check media and device compatibility

Make sure you're using a compatible media format, device, and external storage device format. Contact the manufacturer of the device(s) for support. If a software update for the device is available, follow the manufacturer's instructions to update firmware for devices like cameras and external storage devices, or to update drivers for devices like interfaces.

8. Check software compatibility

If you're using a plug-in or other software not made by Apple with Final Cut Pro, make sure it's compatible with your version of Final Cut Pro. Contact the manufacturer for support. If an update is available, follow the manufacturer's instructions to update the software.

9. Try using another user account

10. Test with a new library and project

Create a new library and project, and try to reproduce the issue using known-good media, which is media you've used successfully in other projects. If you can't reproduce the issue using known-good media, the issue might be related to the media in the affected project. Obtain new copies of the media from the original source.

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